The gorgeous gardens
of the Bellaire B&B
are the result of Innkeeper Jim Walker's vocation and avocation.Jim is a certified landscape designer, graduated with honors from Michigan State University in 1994. Prior to that he was on-staff in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University for eight years. For 13 years, Jim worked as the leading landscape designer at Pine Hill Nursery and Landscaping, Kewadin, Michigan. Since 1999, he has served as the landscape design instructor for the Michigan State University Nursery and Design program extension in Traverse City, Michigan.
He currently offers his design services as J.K. Walker Landscape Consulting LLC.

In addition to his landscape design work and formal instructor responsibilities, Jim has been recognized as an entertaining and knowledgeable presenter on such topics as: landscape maintenance, designing with nature, native plant landscapes, perennial gardens, period residential gardens, designing for four seasons and designing for reduced mobility (handicap) access.
Many a guest has commented that their stay at the B&B was made even more enjoyable by their landscape and gardening discussions and tours of the grounds with Jim.

The 2016 Garden SeminarsWe are excited to offer a series of wonderful seminar experiences in 2016. In the last 20 years, Jim has developed the reputation as one of the top residential landscape designers in northern Michigan. The garden seminars are a great way to enjoy the splendor of northern Michigan AND learn from one of the best in the green industry.

The cost is $50.00 per person for each seminar (includes all seminar handouts, class materials and of course, and a fabulous lunch prepared for you on site.) When you sign up for one or more of the seminars, you receive 25% off your room rate. Call us at 1.800.545.0780 to plan your next garden seminar stay.

"Paint by Numbers" All Season Color DesignCreate the garden for your color choices that blooms all season long using an easy five step method. In the first part of the workshop, Jim demonstrates the process. The rest of the workshop is devoted to a group project that applies this method using resources provided in the workshop.Cost: $50.00 per personWorkshop Dates: Saturday May 7, 2016

"A is for Aster"Perennial Gardening PrimerThis workshop covers the basics of perennial garden design and maintenance. Emphasis will be placed on high performance plant selections for perennial gardens in the upper Midwest. Jim shares his step-by-step method of unified perennial garden design. He also covers the basic issues of perennial bed maintenance to insure a beautiful and bountiful garden display.Cost: $50.00 per personWorkshop Dates: Saturday May 14, 2016

"A View from the Hammock"Gardens for Low MaintenanceWant a great looking garden but you don’t seem to have time to keep it looking good? In this session, Jim shares his experience, strategies, and tips for creating great spaces that require minimal work. Learn how to plan your garden, prepare your beds and select the proper plants to ensure a minimal maintenance effort the rest of the growing season.Cost: $50.00 per personWorkshop Dates: Saturday May 21, 2016

"Going Native" Designing with Native Plants and Animals in MindThis workshop will cover three topics relative to native plants and animals. The first topic covers use of native plants and their derivations in your landscape. The second topic deals with design, plant selection and strategies to encourage and attract desirable native animals and birds to your garden. Part three covers options in dealing with destructive plant foraging by animals.Cost: $50.00 per personWorkshop Dates: Saturday May 28, 2016